Rhinoplasty

At MyBreast our patients go through a number of steps to ensure their suitability and that this procedure is right for them. A number of consultations with both your personal Patient Adviser and your surgeon will ensure your expectations can be met.

All surgical procedures come with risks however our thorough consultation process will ensure you are fully informed and any risks identified. We will only proceed if we feel it is in your best interests and any risks are outweighed by the benefits.

If we do not feel that you are a suitable candidate, we will always be open, honest, and transparent. At MyBreast, we keep your wellbeing and safety at the forefront of what we do.

There are two main techniques used:
The closed approach:
an incision is made within the nostrils.

The open approach:
an incision is made across the columella (the vertical bit of tissue separating the nostrils).

Excellent results can be achieved with both approaches and the technique used depends upon individual circumstances.
Your surgeon will separate the skin of the nose from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage then sculpt to the desired shape.

Rhinoplasty is highly personal, and the surgeon will tailor the sculpting process according to the problem.

At the end of the surgery, the skin will be re-draped over the new framework and small, mouldable splints applied. These must remain in place for several days.

Many rhinoplasty procedures involve adding tissue in the form of grafts to increase the size or build upon the shape of the nose. A graft will also support the nose and ensure the end result is as natural as possible. This form of surgery is called Augmentation Rhinoplasty.

The surgeon will take a graft of bone or cartilage from the patient’s body. Bone may be harvested from the hip, rib, elbow or outer surface of the skull and will not affect the donor bone in any way. Alternatively, ‘surplus’ cartilage can be retrieved from the ear or inside of the nose. Although synthetic materials have been successfully applied in these instances, using the patient’s own tissue prevents the possibility of rejection, which may occur when a foreign material is inserted into the body. The procedure will be performed as primary rhinoplasty with the addition of the graft.

In some cases, the tip of the nose may be the only area requiring surgical attention. Tip rhinoplasty can refine/reshape the tip of the nose if it appears too large or out of proportion. This part of the nose is mostly cartilage and soft tissue, so no bone work or fracturing of the bone is undertaken.

The tip of the nose cannot normally be operated on from inside, so an incision across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils) is required, which will leave a visible scar. Following surgery, the wound will be closed with removable stitches on the outside. The procedure will take place under a general anaesthetic on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay in hospital.

Septoplasty is performed to correct damage or deviation to the septum (the partition of cartilage inside the nose separating the two nostrils). This may be due to an injury or a birth defect and can cause problems such as breathing difficulties, snoring, blockages, sinus and/or ear pain, excess mucus or allergy-type symptoms.

The surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the septum inside the nose then straighten out the cartilage and move it back into the middle of the nose. Further back in the nose, the septum changes to bone. If this bone is crooked, small pieces will be removed to make it straight again. Full straightening/correction may not always be possible as this is dependent upon the severity of the deviation. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches and splints are applied over the nose to keep it in position. These are removed the following day. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, on an out-patient basis, or with an overnight stay in hospital.

One the day of your procedure, you will be welcomed by our friendly hospital team. Your dedicated nurse will take you to your private room where you will also see your surgeon and anaesthetist before your surgery.

We normally ask patients to arrive a few hours before their procedure takes place so observations can be taken to ensure you are fit and well and you are given time to relax and settle any nerves.

Rhinoplasty takes place using a general anaesthetist meaning you will be fully asleep during the procedure.

Once the procedure is complete, the recovery team will ensure you are fit and well before taking you back to your private room. 

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. An overnight stay in hospital is sometimes required however this will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Initial bruising and swelling will subside after one to two weeks. Some swelling may last for several months.

Complications are rare but some cases (about 5%) may require further surgery to adjust minor irregularities and asymmetries.

See Tamsin Culmer’s Rhinoplasty success story:

At MyBreast we understand patients are individual, and we will therefore tailor a holistic package to ensure it is right for you. For this reason, a comprehensive package price will be provided after a thorough consultation and assessment with your surgeon has taken place.

We will be honest and transparent and ensure there are no hidden costs. Your package will always include everything from pre assessment and consultations to hospital stay and aftercare.

At any point if you have questions or concerns, we will be available to support you. Please call one of our friendly patient advisers on 0203 642 1490 who will be on hand to assist you.